See Me

The campaign highlights lived experiences of women and girls across South Wales to raise awareness and to encourage victims to come forward, encourage sign spotting and reporting.

Whether it’s domestic violence or abuse, controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual violence, intimidation, stalking and harassment, catcalling, revenge porn or unwanted touching, See Me shares stories to raise awareness and encourage everyone to stand against all forms of abuse, and hold perpetrators accountable so that we can ensure we have a society where women and girls are safe.

These crimes can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, or social background.

Women and girls are disproportionately the victims of violence and abuse, and suffer more at the hands of a partner, former partner, or family member and sometimes a stranger

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us or someone that you feel comfortable talking to, so that we can take action.

Amara's* story

“His eyes would go so dark, he would de-humanise me, so that he could do what he could do, and everything would be my fault.”

Amara was abused physically and mentally by her then partner, so much so that she didn’t realise it was abuse until years later.

Not all abuse is physical or visible, coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse.

Becky's* story

“All I wanted to do was scream ‘HELP ME’.”

In public, Becky’s partner was described as a “great partner”, but behind closed doors Becky was emotionally and physically abused by him.

Physical and emotional abuse is domestic abuse: just one incident counts.

Claire's* story

“‘My Daddy hit my Mammy’ is what my daughter had to tell the 999-call handler when she phoned an ambulance for me.”

Claire is a victim of physical and emotional abuse by her partner at the time.

Domestic abuse is never ok. It is not your fault.

Daisy's* story

“Like a switch, his personality completely changed, and he started hitting me in the face.

“He ripped my earrings out and I ended up with a black, bloodshot eye.

“It was really, really bad.”

One incident counts as abuse. Daisy was a victim of physical and emotional abuse in her relationship by her then partner. His behaviour made her think that it was her fault, and that she should be a better girlfriend.

It is never your fault, you’re not alone.

 

*Not their real name. We have worked with women and girls across South Wales develop this campaign. We have hidden their identities for their safety.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanna Maal said:

“Violence against women and girls is a matter of priority for South Wales Police.

“We want all women and girls who live, work, socialise or study in South Wales to not only be safe, but feel safe, whether that is in public spaces, at home or online.

“Women and girls should be able to live confidently, without feeling frightened, intimidated, or harassed.

“Our new campaign, See Me, has been developed to highlight the issues, share information with our communities, encourage women and girls to report or get support and encourage bystanders to call out and challenge abusive behaviours. And ultimately reduce incidents of violence, harassment, and abuse.”

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said:

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority of mine, and while some progress has been made across South Wales Police force area towards improving our collective response, clearly, there is a long way to go.

“The voices of brave victims and survivors, sharing their experiences are crucial for us all to understand how the impact of all forms of VAWG restricts freedom and liberty and erodes away at self-esteem and confidence.

“I hope that the See Me campaign raises awareness through the sharing of experiences and connects with other victims and survivors who need our help.  including those who are marginalised and have additional barriers to accessing support.

“I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to those survivors who have shared their voice to develop this campaign to raise awareness and encourage others seek support.

“I hope this campaign will encourage and strengthen our collective awareness and responses to the needs of women and girls from all communities when they seek the support and guidance.”

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